CRICKET & TECHNOLOGY

                            -BY S SANJAYRAM

ABOUT

The evolution of cricket is not only based on its formats which has been shortened from time to time to make the game exciting but also by technology. Over the years the widespread of Cricket is not only due to its game but also by globalization. Cricket was invented in southeast England in the 16th century to show their superiority as they played cricket in their colonies in which they used to bat all the time but now due to technological advancements we have bowling machines. Technology has played a factor by which the game has become more exciting and accessible.

GLOBALIZATION OF CRICKET

Malcolm Speed played a great role in globalization as he saw the potential in the game. He is an Australian businessman and the former CEO of the ICC. He knew the revenue generated from cricket would be enormous, so by broadcasting, making huge stadiums the viewership in cricket expanded. More countries realized this and wanted to become the associative countries or part of the ICC. Now cricket is played nearly in 105 countries! 

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS 

Though there have been minor changes in the cricketing kit, But technology in cricket is vital such as there are cameras covering 360 degrees including a camera on the umpire’s hat, The stumps now comes with LED lights also the stump mic for conversations between the players which sometimes is used for sledging! The scoreboard in stadiums which was manually done was replaced by technology which gave better features such as runs scored, fours and sixes by a player etc.

But the most important thing that technology made cricket amazing was its DRS or the Decision Reviewing System or previously known as UDRS. This made the decision making more easier for umpires as a third umpire was given access to the footage which he could see in slow motion to give accurate decisions.

DRS was initially used for run-outs in which a red light indicated out and green for not out, then for LBW or the Leg Before Wicket which is seen for pitching, impact and will it hit in stumps by calculating the  RPM or Revolutions Per Minute, For No Ball checking the third umpire can be referred. The edging of the bat is determined by a snickometer or snicko which was previously done by a negative image.

The VR technology is to give a stadium experience from our home which has been tested in the Indian Premier League or the IPL.

CONCLUSION

Technological improvement in cricket has surely made it a better watching experience and we can watch cricket matches which are held in any part of the world in our home. There are some improvements that have to be made like the Hawkeye which gives an idea of where the ball will land is sometimes uncertain and gives Umpire’s Call. Fair matches can now happen as teams are given reviews to challenge umpire decisions. Overall Cricket is a fun sport to watch and as an Indian, it is a source of Entertainment.